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Police launch probe into drug dealers’ group call urging associates to attack UAE nationals visiting Sri Lanka

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Police have launched an investigation into a leaked audio recording that went viral on social media on Sunday, allegedly featuring a group call among several Sri Lankan drug kingpins based overseas.

The 20-minute audio clip is said to involve Dubai-based drug trafficker Russell Smith, underworld figure Rueben, Gamage Saranga Pradeep alias ‘Welle Saranga’, a notorious organised criminal and large-scale narcotics dealer and notorious underworld figure and narcotics dealer Lal Peiris alias ‘Kudu Lal’, operating from the UK.

According to police, the recording contains an alleged conversation in which Smith is heard instructing others to mobilise their local henchmen in Sri Lanka to assault citizens of the United Arab Emirates visiting the country, purportedly as an act of revenge following ill-treatment claimed by Saranga while in the custody of UAE narcotics authorities.

Saranga, who was recently released by UAE drug enforcement officials after his urine tests reportedly yielded negative results, is heard in the recording claiming that he was subjected to severe assault while in custody. In response, Russell Smith is alleged to have suggested retaliatory attacks on UAE nationals visiting Sri Lanka, urging his associates to motivate their local operatives to carry out such assaults.

Police said attention has been drawn to the serious nature of the alleged threats, particularly in view of their potential implications for public safety and Sri Lanka’s international relations. Investigations are under way to verify the authenticity of the recording and to identify all individuals involved in the call.

Russell Smith is described by police as a major drug trafficker who operates several narcotics distribution networks, with a primary focus on the Mount Lavinia and Ratmalana areas. He was arrested in Dubai in 2023. Investigators have said Russell Smith is a close associate of Kudu Lal before emerging as a major distributor in his own right with the backing of several underworld leaders.

Reuben, another individual heard in the audio clip, is a notorious underworld kingpin, currently residing in France. Police said he was a former LTTE cadre who had facilitated links between Russell Smith and underworld elements operating in the Northern Province.

Meanwhile, police confirmed that several weeks ago a police sergeant, attached to the Udappuwa Police, had been arrested for allegedly distributing narcotics on behalf of Russell Smith. The arrest was made by officers of the Western Province North Crimes Division.

The suspect sergeant was taken into custody with 400 g of heroin in his possession. Investigations have revealed that the officer had previously served for nearly five years with the Colombo Crimes Division. Acting on information elicited from the arrested sergeant, police also apprehended another suspect, identified as ‘Chathu’, a resident of Peliyagoda, in possession of 110 grams of heroin.

Police said further investigations were continuing to dismantle the international narcotics network and to take legal action against all those connected to the alleged conspiracy.

By Norman Palihawadane



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Sun directly overhead Pandatharippu, Thellippalai, Varuthaleivilan, Vasavilan, and Manatkaadu about 12:10 noon today (15)

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On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from the 05th to 15th of April in this year.

The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (15th) are Pandatharippu, Thellippalai, Varuthaleivilan, Vasavilan, and Manatkaadu about 12:10 noon.

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Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district

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Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 14 April 2026, valid for 15 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Eastern and Southern
provinces and in Monaragala district.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.


Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on
the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.

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“I extend my heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankans for a peaceful and joyous Sinhala and Tamil New Year!” – President

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake,  issuing a New Year message, extend his heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankans for a peaceful and joyous Sinhala and Tamil New Year!

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year, which symbolises the aspiration for renewal both physically and spiritually, is the foremost cultural festival of the people of this country.

During the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, traditional customs are upheld, with priority accorded to rituals and religious observances, and activities undertaken collectively at a common auspicious time. This shared cultural practice vividly reflects our nation’s identity before the world, as well as the strong socio-cultural bonds that exist among our communities.

We firmly believe that the future path of national development can only be shaped in harmony with this invaluable culture and our distinguished historical heritage. Accordingly, it must be recalled that all our future development plans have been formulated upon the firm foundation of these precious traditions and cultural values.

Moreover, the common aspiration embodied in the customs and rituals associated with the solar transition is the nurturing of a compassionate individual who values togetherness, respects others, and lives in harmony with nature. I believe that the virtues and values of unity reflected in these New Year traditions should not be confined to these few days alone, but should instead be demonstrated throughout the year in our daily conduct.

In the face of the most significant recent natural disaster challenge encountered in the past year, we demonstrated to the world our resilience and capacity to withstand internal shocks. At the same time, in responding to the external challenges arising from the conflict in the Middle East, the Government has already set in motion a well-planned and effectively managed programme to overcome these difficulties.

As a nation, in overcoming these challenges together, I call upon all of you to further dedicate yourselves to enriching your lives through the values of togetherness, sharing, and solidarity exemplified during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year season.

As we strengthen the achievements we have secured and move forward with unwavering resolve in the face of emerging challenges, I invite everyone to join hands in unity to realise the vision of “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life” for all.

I extend my heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankans for a peaceful and joyous Sinhala and Tamil New Year!

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